Telecom Guruji

Introduction To 5G Radio Network Planning In the fast-paced world of 5G, effective 5G RADIO NETWORK PLANNING is crucial, especially when dealing with high-speed mobility scenarios. This article, part 7 in our series, explores the intricacies of high-speed flag configurations in PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) and the challenges of Root Sequence Index planning. Understanding these aspects is key to optimising network performance, particularly in environments where mobility and frequency offsets pose significant challenges. High Speed Flag In 5G Radio Network Planning The high speed flag is only applicable to the long PRACH Formats, i.e. it cannot be applied when using Frequency Range 2. It is configured using the restrictedSetConfig information element presented in Table below. Configuring a value of ‘unrestrictedSet’ indicates support for low to medium mobility scenarios, while configuring values of ‘restrictedSetTypeA’ or ‘restrictedSetTypeB’ indicates support for high...

  Introduction To 5G Radio Network Planning In the ever-evolving landscape of 5G technology, 5G RADIO NETWORK PLANNING is paramount to ensuring optimal network performance, particularly in uplink transmission and random access procedures. This article delves into the specifics of 5G RADIO NETWORK PLANNING, focusing on PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) formats, configuration indices, and the zero correlation zone — key components that significantly influence the effectiveness of 5G networks. PRACH FORMATS The PRACH Format must be selected from either: The set of long PRACH Formats (0, I, 2, 3), or The set of short PRACH Formats (Al, A2, A3, Bl, B4, Al/Bl, A2/B2, A3/83, C0, C2. Formats ‘B2’ and ‘B3’ are always used in combination with Formats ‘A2’ and ‘A3’ respectively. Figure below summarises the criteria used to select the PRACH Format. The Frequency Range should be considered as the first criteria — operating bands within Frequency Range 2 only support the short PRACH Formats...

  Introduction 5G Radio Network Planning In this segment of 5G Radio Network Planning, we explore the importance of the Cyclic Prefix (CP), CSI Reference Signals, and Phase Tracking Reference Signals (PTRS). Understanding these elements is critical for optimizing network performance and ensuring efficient communication. Cyclic Prefix The Cyclic Prefix represents a guard period at the start of each symbol which provides protection against multi-path delay spread. The cyclic prefix also represents an overhead which should be minimised. 3GPP TS 38.211 specifies the normal cyclic prefix for all subcarrier spacings, and the extended cyclic prefix for the 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. Specifying the extended cyclic prefix for the 60 kHz subcarrier spacing allows it to be used within both Frequency Range 1 and Frequency Range 2. The extended cyclic prefix increases the duration of each symbol because the duration of the cyclic prefix increases while duration of the payload remains const...

 Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, 5G network planning is pivotal for ensuring optimal performance and coverage. This part delves into Physical layer Cell Identity (PCI) allocation, highlighting its significance, methodologies, and best practices. PCI Allocation Physical layer Cell Identity(PCI) planning for NR is similar to PCI planning for LTE and scrambling code planning for UMTS PCI Allocation NR has 1008 PCI which are organised into 336 groups of 3. LTE has 504 PCI which are organised into 168 groups of 3. UMTS has 512 scrambling codes organised into 64 groups of 8. Key Requirements for PCI Planning The most important requirements for planning PCI are to remain ‘CollisionFree’ and ‘ConfusionFree’: Collision Free: the physical separation between cells using the same PCI should be sufficiently great to ensure that a UE never simultaneously receives the same PCI from more than a single cell. This is achieved by maximising the re-use distance ...

Introduction To 5G Radio Network Planning In this third part of our 5G radio network planning series, we delve into the critical aspects of antenna solutions and downlink transmit power considerations. The focus is on the practical and technical challenges involved in selecting appropriate antenna solutions and managing downlink transmit power to meet regulatory requirements. Antenna Solution Frequency Range 2 When using Frequency Range 2, it is likely that an active antenna array is necessary to ensure that link budget requirements are satisfied, i.e. the primary requirement for beam forming is to improve coverage rather than spectral efficiency. Frequency Range 1 When using Frequency Range1, there is increased potential for a choice of antenna solutions. Passive antennas can be used in combination with Remote Radio Heads (RRH) or RF Modules. Alternatively, an active antenna can be used with transceivers organized either in a single row to allow beam forming in the azimu...

 Introduction to Radio Network Planning In our previous section, we discussed the use of semi-static and dynamic Slot Formats for Time Division Duplex (TDD) in 5G networks. Initial 5G network deployments are likely to focus on semi-static Slot Formats due to the challenges associated with cross-link interference when using dynamic Slot Formats. This blog continues with a detailed examination of Slot Formats, their implications for radio network planning, and strategies to address various deployment scenarios. Slot Format Previous section describes the use of semi static and dynamic Slot Formats for TDD. Initial 5G network deployments are likely to focus upon using semi-static Slot Formats due to the challenges associated with cross-link interference that can be generated when using dynamic Slot Formats. In some countries, the national regulator may specify the Slot Format to be used within each 5G operating band. In other countries. operators may agree to use a common Slot For...

  INTRODUCTION TO RADIO NETWORK PLANNING Effective radio network planning is essential for optimizing the performance and coverage of modern wireless networks. This involves a meticulous process of selecting and configuring operating bands and channel frequencies. In 2024, significant updates have been made to the methodologies used in network planning to accommodate the evolving needs of 5G and beyond. This technical blog delves into the key aspects of operating bands, NR-ARFCN, and GSCN in the context of contemporary radio network planning. OPERATING BAND In many cases, there will be a one-to-one relationship between the: allocated spectrum and the operating band. In these cases, there is only a single operating band which can be selected. In some cases, operating bands overlap so multiple operating bands can be associated with a single spectrum allocation. For example, a TDD spectrum allocation from 3300 to 3400 MHz can be associated with operating band n77 (3300 to 4200 MH...